This is a forestry term which refers to the replacement of newly planted trees which have died. Even with the best planting and management, a percentage of trees will not survive the first season. in commercial forestry where it’s important to maximise timber production on a site, replacement is necessary. Grant conditions and contract agreements for planting schemes normally include a requirement for replacement of failed plants.
Replacement is also important for other woodland plantings where the aim is to produce a woodland with a closed canopy as soon as possible. If some fail, this will affect the conditions of shelter, humidity and shade, to the detriment of the whole scheme.
Beating up is best done in the first two years after planting, or the replacements will have little chance of catching up with the other trees. Where trees are spaced 3m (10’) apart or wider, all the failed trees should be replaced. For 2m (6’) spacing, it may be sufficient to replace one plant for every two failures, depending on the proportion that have failed.
If a high proportion of plants of the same species have failed, it’s either because they don’t suit the site, or because they were sub-standard on delivery. The supplier should be contacted for advice. Where failures occur in clusters or to a particular pattern on the site, the site conditions are probably the cause. Before you replant, check the area for poor drainage or other soil problems. If failure is due to vandalism or accidental trampling, protective measures may need to be taken.
